Thinking about starting a podcast? Or maybe you've been overthinking it for three years? This Yesticle is the sign you didn't know you were waiting for.
In this delightfully meta episode, Akumu and Claire sit down with two titans of podcasting, i.e., the Podfathers: Dan Aceda, founder of SemaBox and creative powerhouse, and Kevin Y. Brown, Head of Strategy at Afripods and producer of over 1,000 podcast episodes.
Together, they unpack the questions people always ask: Why start a podcast? | What makes a podcast good (not just popular)? | How do you even begin? | Is video really taking over the industry? | Where is podcasting headed in Kenya and across Africa?
So whether you're an aspiring podcaster or simply curious about the audio-verse, this conversation is equal parts humour, wisdom, and insanely practical insights.
Key takeaways:
1. Why people fall in love with podcasts
Authenticity, trust, intimacy, community... everything mainstream media struggles with.
2. How to know if podcasting is for you
Your purpose, your voice, and your willingness to show up consistently.
3. The #1 beginner mistake
Not knowing your why. Listen to Dan and Kevin's take on the how-to of why.
4. The myth of "success = big numbers"
Engagement, longevity, and connection consistently outperform vanity metrics.
5. Video vs. audio?
Welcome to reality: video is huge. Can audio-first creators handle it?
6. African creators are just getting started
Local stories, diverse perspectives, and closely-knit communities are driving change.
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Timestamps for Specific Segments:
(0:00) Intro
(2:05) Meet the guests: Dan & Kevin
(7:13) Why podcasting is special
(10:22) Podcasting vs traditional media
(21:17) Tips for new podcasters
(25:00) What truly measures podcast success
(35:38) Audio-first vs video-first
(41:28) Types of podcasts + Africa's unique landscape
(47:06) Podcasts Dan + Kevin love
(54:06) What they've recently said YES to
(58:19) Outro
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After listening, you'll either say:
"YES, I'm starting a podcast tomorrow,"
or
"Ah. Maybe podcasting isn't my ministry... and that's fine."
Both outcomes? Iconic.
And if you know someone who's been saying "I want to start a podcast" since 2019 and still hasn't recorded a single trailer… send this to them.
This might finally be the nudge (or slap) they need to say "YES."
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Important links:
Learn more about Dan Aceda:
https://top40.businessdailyafrica.com/candidates/dan-aceda/
https://youtu.be/_isin6agLYc?si=K77s2q2bpoTCNhV6
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ebuGfmupgyNhfYvfj3txk
Follow Dan Aceda:
https://www.instagram.com/danaceda/
Learn more about SemaBox:
https://semabox.africa/
Learn more about Kevin Y. Brown:
https://kevinybrown.com/
Follow Kevin Y. Brown:
https://www.instagram.com/kevinybrown/
Learn more about Afripods:
https://www.afripods.africa
List of podcasts mentioned in this episode:
The Retrievals
AfriWetu
Solar Maverick Podcast
Legally Clueless
For Mannerless Women
So this is love
Joy Ride
3 truths, no lies
DOAC
The AI daily brief
ChooseFi
Earn Your Leisure
Tropical MBA
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